It’s just barely started feeling like fall, but the five designers sending collections down the Fashion Houston runway Wednesday night had everyone thinking about spring. Florals, creamy sherbet hues, graphic prints and lots of dresses signaled edgy feminism is what’s to come in the new year.
Bibhu Mohapatra charmed on and off the runway with a bright collection that revved up with each look. Mohapatra’s all white, wide-legged pant and sleeveless top was a refreshing take on a spring tuxedo and with the exception of just a handful of dark pieces, Mohapatra kept the mood and collection light.
A woven organza made in Lake Cuomo was his most interesting and beautiful element mimicking shattered glass and representing his approach to his design and life.
“You look in the distance through shattered glass to find a new beginning. It’s where you find your passion,” Mohapatra said.
“You look in the distance through shattered glass to find a new beginning. It’s where you find your passion,” Mohapatra said. A former lead designer for J. Mendel, Mohapatra is living his passion despite injuring his leg after recent post-show accident in Mexico.
“I slipped and hurt my leg. This brace isn’t just a fashion accessory,” he joked. Mohapatra is appearing at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.
Peter Millar creative director Chris Knott chose the name of his menswear collection after an antique lawn bowling ball given to him by his mother, and the plaids, board shorts, stripes, khakis and layered sweaters injected preppy flair into the evening, making much of the clothing accessible to men everywhere. The collection will be available Thursday at Neiman Marcus.
Designer Rebecca Taylor hails from New Zealand, but she definitely knows how to speak Texan. Her spring collection was light, layered, wearable and very well-received by the Fashion Houston crowd.
“I really do resonate with girls down here. I call myself a TomGirl, because I love mixing the masculine with the feminine,” Taylor said. Proving her point, Taylor was dressed in silver Oxfords, skinny floral “Frank Sinatra” pants and a sheer blush blouse.
Shorts and easy slip dresses ruled her runway. Perforations, colorful paneling and sheer slips peeking out from beneath light layers mixed ladylike elements with a true sportswear feel. Even though she was in a Fashion Houston frame -of-mind, her post-show thoughts were on her kids at home in Brooklyn.
Designer Rebecca Taylor hails from New Zealand, but she definitely knows how to speak Texan.
“I’m a working mom. I’m living the dream, right? It’s so hard finding that balance, but I made videos and sent them to the kids earlier and we FaceTime like it’s no big deal. Who would have thought we could do that someday?” Taylor said.
The crowd was certainly jazzed to see Yigal Azrouel’s Cut 25 contemporary collection, but it's Azrouel himself who's part of the draw. Incredibly talented and notoriously handsome, Azrouel has cultivated a following among women drawn to his modern and feminine design.
When a short ruched skirt hugged a model’s curves, Azrouel balanced the look with full sweater, complete with long, flowing sleeves. An cobalt A-line dress was toughened up with a moto-inspired leather jacket. He shows his namesake collection Thursday and makes a personal appearance at Tootsies Thursday from noon to 3 p.m.
Houston favorite Nicole Miller closed out the show and sent a crowd-pleasing collection of bright colors and shine, pencil skirts and graphic prints down the runway. Long messy braids wound around the model’s heads, while berry lips and rosy cheeks made her model’s makeup the most stunning of the night.
Miller also wins the award for best final walk of the night. Instead of a single-file, absent-eyed walk after the show, Miller sent her girls down en masse, arms linked, smiles wide. It was a bright blaze of color and personality, much like Miller’s spring collection.
Proving none of us can stop with the ab work, trends such as cutouts and crop tops slinked their way into all the evening’s collections.
Fashion Houston continues Thursday with Houston favorites Chloe Dao and David Peck, as well as Rolando Santana and Yigal Azrouel.
Instead of a single-file, absent-eyed walk after the show, Nicole Miller sent her girls down en masse, arms linked,
Blue Hills brings a cool mix of fashion, accessories, and brands, including first-timer Sézane, to the Round Top shopping scene.Photo Courtesy of Blue Hills
The Compound offers an elevated mix of new, vintage, and upcycled fashion for stylish Round Top shoppers.Photo courtesy of The Compound
Marburger Farm combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories.Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show 
Zapp Hall has it all. From an indoor/outdoor setting to the antique atmosphere only a 1903 dance hall can provide.Photo courtesy of Zapp Hall